hi gnu

<" Should Rooney be banned?">

Rooney was banned - that is why he is only today available for the first time to play in this competition.

As a Manchester United supporter I have watched Rooney for about 8 years. IMHO he is not a dirty player. Yes he is stupid at times and has a short fuse and does some crazy things. With regard to dirty and foul play he is much more sinned against than a sinner. Of course his temperament is dubious and other players work on that. He is constantly niggled and fouled by the opposition in attempts to get him sent off. Sometimes they succeed.

Recently he appears to have calmed down and Montenegro apart he had only received one yellow card in several months.

All that aside Rooney is a gifted footballer. So let's hope that he uses his head a gives a display of which he is capable. He will make a difference that may be vital to England as they try to qualify for the later rounds.

I think that Ronaldo's behaviour after he scored was due to him not having performed and when that ball hit the net he was showing his relief. As somebody said above he is the Captain and was signalling to his team to celebrate with him.

He is another immensely talented player - a prolific goalscorer who is not usually a striker!!

Remember both Rooney and Ronaldo despite their many years playing at the top are still relatively young - about 26 I think.

They both still have much to give and maybe, just maybe they will learn to be more mature.

I will be watching England tonight with everything crossed. On paper they should beat Ukraine but tonight is their big night.

Cheers

MikeL2